Name: Impetigo
Creator: Dr Karen Martin
Published: 2023-02-08T18:45:49.261Z

You should consider being off work for 48 hours after treatment has started or - if you do not get treatment - once the infection has dried out. It is unlikely you feel unwell or even uncomfortable with this condition, but absence from work is to avoid passing this contagious infection on to co-workers.

Am I fit for work?

Book an urgent appointment with your doctor, who will assess this and may give you antibiotic cream or tablets. Occasionally, impetigo can go beyond the topmost layers of skin, causing cellulitis or ecthyma, where ulcers develop, so it is worth getting checked if treatment is not helping or your condition is worsening.

When should I see my doctor?

This infection is contagious. As the full name, impetigo contagiosa suggests, this infection spreads very easily - to other parts of the body and to your nearest and dearest. Keep a strict household - don't share towels or bedding, wash hands regularly, and keep open sores covered with bandages. You stop being infective after 48 hours of treatment or after all infected areas have dried up. You should consider staying away from work during this time, avoid preparing food for others and avoid shared areas, (i.e., gyms) or contact sports.

Is it contagious?

There are no treatments available from the pharmacy that will treat impetigo effectively. Impetigo requires treatment with prescription-only medicines prescribed by your doctor. These may include antibiotic creams to be applied topically or systemically with antibiotic tablets, capsules, or suspensions.

Healthwords pharmacists' top tips

This is a rash where the skin becomes inflamed, appearing on greasy areas with lots of sebaceous glands - on the cheeks, between eyebrows, the folds next to the nose and the chin, and also on the chest or scalp.

Red, greasy, scaly, or flaky patches are common, and little red bumps known as papules may appear. It can cause a mild itch, but the appearance prompts most sufferers to seek treatment.

It is considered a type of [eczema](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/eczema) but can also overlap with [psoriasis](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/psoriasis-400) and [rosacea](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/rosacea). [Stress](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/stress-563), tiredness, and cold weather can prompt flare-ups in those susceptible. An overgrowth of a usually harmless [yeast](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/condition/yeast-infection-730) (scientific name: Malassezia) is thought to be part of the cause, so treatment focuses on eradicating this and reducing inflammation using a combined [antifungal](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/treatment/antifungal-medicines) and mild [steroid](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/treatment/steroids-a-comprehensive-guide-to-anti-inflammatory-medication) cream.

Paronychia is the fancy word for an infection in the skin around your nail. It can occur in your fingernails or toenails and usually affects just one nail at a time. The result is red, swollen, and painful skin around your nail. The infection is usually caused by bacteria that get into the skin.

Less commonly, it can be caused by a fungus such as [candida](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/candidal-skin-infection-symptoms-causes-and-treatments) (known as a yeast infection) or by the virus herpes simplex (the virus that causes [cold sores](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/condition/cold-sore-751).

When the infection is caused by bacteria, it can cause pus to collect, and you may see a yellow fluid collection or yellow crusting in and around the area.

You're more at risk of developing paronychia if you bite your nails, you have injured the skin around the nail, you have underlying skin or nail conditions, or if you do a job or spend a lot of your day where your hands are damp for an extended amount of time (such as a cleaner or pot washer). This is because it can damage or cause breaks in the skin, making it easier for bacteria to get in. Wearing false nails can also put you at a higher risk of paronychia.

Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs in areas where there are sweat glands around hair follicles. It is a condition that often affects the armpits but can also affect the groin, under the breasts, and around the anus, as well as other areas of the body. It is a chronic condition that can cause both abscesses and scarring of the skin. The cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown.  

The symptoms are painful lumps ranging from blackheads to boils, cysts, or channels (called sinus tracts) that contain and sometimes leak pus. As it is a long-term recurrent condition that requires ongoing management, it can cause quite an impact on an individual’s everyday life and lead to depression.

Zepbound is a weight loss drug used to treat people who are obese or are overweight with other medical conditions. In this article we explain what Zepbound is, who it is suitable for, how it works and possible side effects.

## What is Zepbound?

Zepbound is the brand name for a drug called tirzepatide. It is a new class of drug called a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. GIP is short for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, and GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, both of which belong to a type of body hormone known as incretins which help to regulate blood sugar.

Zepbound can also slow down digestion so that sugar (glucose) from food takes longer to be absorbed into the body, and so it can reduce appetite, which in turn can cause weight loss.

There are a few common causes of an itchy bottom, and we may find no cause, in which case we call it pruritus ani.

[Threadworms](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/threadworms) (pinworms) are very common in children but rare in adults. This is a parasite infection causing intense itching around the anus and possibly the vagina, especially at night. You might notice tiny white worms around your child’s anus or mixed in poop.

In adults, hemorrhoids may be to blame. You may be able to feel one lump or more around the anus, and it may be painful when you go for a poop. You may get a few streaks of blood in the toilet bowl or on toilet tissue. These are common, and treatments are available.

Infections from a fungus or yeast ([thrush](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/thrush-10) can feel itchy and sore. The area will look pink, perhaps with tiny pink bumps and possibly flaky.

[Psoriasis](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/psoriasis-400) can look similar but will likely be more red than pink, with a clear border, and is a more likely cause if you have psoriasis on other parts of the body. Eczema may appear around the bottom, especially if you have a tendency to it or irritation from any cream or treatments you are using, such as perfumed moisturizers, steroid creams, or ointments for anal fissures.

[Genital warts](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/genital-warts) can appear as hard lumps around the anus and wider genital area and may be itchy. These are sexually transmitted and contagious to intimate partners.

Finally, a condition called [lichen sclerosus](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/condition/lichen-sclerosus) causes the skin to tighten, which can be itchy. You might see some white streaks on the affected area, making it look shiny and taut.

Dermatitis (sometimes also called eczema) simply means inflammation of the skin, and so contact dermatitis is the name used when this inflammation is caused by direct or indirect contact of the skin with something in your environment that it reacts to.

## What causes contact dermatitis?

There are two main types of contact dermatitis:

- **Irritant contact dermatitis.** This type develops when the skin comes into contact with things that irritate the skin, such as detergents or very hot water that strip the skin of its natural oils and so dry it out. If you have regular contact with these you can then get an irritant dermatitis. This means it’s common in people who put their hands in water a lot, such as nurses, hairdressers, and cleaners. This type of contact dermatitis is more likely to happen in people who have suffered from childhood eczema.

- **Allergic contact dermatitis.** This type occurs when you develop an allergy to a specific substance that’s been in contact with your skin. Common examples of these include hair dye, cosmetics, and perfumes. It’s unclear why some people who are exposed to these develop dermatitis while others don’t but unlike irritant dermatitis, contact dermatitis doesn’t seem to be more likely in people who had eczema when young.

## What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?

The commonest symptom is itching of the skin, and this can be very intense and to a level where you can’t stop scratching it. The skin can also become sore and red, with blisters developing that can weep. In contact dermatitis of the hands, there may be painful cracking of the skin that can make it difficult to use your hands normally. The hands are the commonest area where contact dermatitis occurs, followed by the arms, neck and face.

Dr Kandi - Contact dermatitis

Ringworm (also known as jock itch) is a common fungal skin infection of the groin. Sometimes doctors call it the medical term tinea cruris - we should be clear it has nothing to do with worms! This fungal infection usually occurs in warm, moist areas such as the groin or in the armpit area or feet (where it is called tinea pedis or [athlete's foot](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/condition/athletes-foot-591). It produces symptoms of a rash that is usually red, sore and itchy and has clear edges that can form a ring-like pattern. It is commonly found in athletes and the elderly but can affect anyone. When it is found in the crease of the groin it can spread a short way down the upper thigh.

The majority of cases are mild and can be treated easily with over-the-counter [antifungal creams](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/treatment/antifungal-cream-32) available from your pharmacy. If the medication is for a child, you should check with your pharmacist about the most appropriate over-the-counter medication.

There are a number of different antifungal creams available (you will see names such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, tolnaftate, and miconazole), so check the directions that come with each cream as it will tell you how often and for how long to use it. Apply the cream to the affected area and to the non-affected skin that is up to 2 inches around the affected area.

Dr Kandi - Tinea cruris

Diarrhea is defined as stool, or poop, that is loose or watery and you usually need to go to the toilet more often. It's very common and most cases improve by themselves within a day or two. There are many causes of diarrhea, ranging from infection, allergy, anxiety, medication side-effects or long-term conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. 

All children get sick from time to time, and they may need time off school to recover. For certain illnesses, your child’s school may require them to take a set time period off. This is particularly true if they have something contagious, such as chickenpox, in order to protect other children, as well as letting them rest up and get better.

Schools can be strict on absences to avoid disrupting your child’s education. We’ve set out some guidance for instances that are acceptable and appropriate to keep your child away from the classroom, although do bear in mind that every school will lay out their own policy. It’s always important to be aware of the policies at your child's school.

As a general rule of thumb, if your child is unwell or feverish for whatever reason, they should stay at home to recover.

Verrucas are very common, especially in children, and are not harmful. They usually resolve independently without treatment, but certain products can speed up this process.

Verrucas describe warts that appear on the feet, caused by the virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). They are hard, uneven skin growths, usually skin-colored or white, and generally flat as you've compressed them with walking. For this reason, they may feel sorer than [warts](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/condition/warts-and-verrucas) on your fingers or elsewhere. You may see black specks in the verruca, usually tiny blood vessels. This is also the same virus that causes [genital warts](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/genital-warts).

They may develop weeks or months after coming into contact with the virus. Cuts or broken skin makes it easier for the virus to get in, and this is particularly important to know when sharing communal areas such as swimming pools or gym changing rooms where everyone is walking around barefoot. Verrucas really thrive in warm moist conditions.

A lowered immune system puts you at higher risk. Children do not have a fully developed immune system which is why it is common in this age group.

The majority of verrucas will heal on their own within a few months but may take up to 18 months. If you want to speed up this process, we recommend two options: salicylic acid-containing products that can be purchased from your local pharmacy or getting the wart frozen off (cryotherapy).

Dr Kandi - Verrucas

Milia (milk spots): causes and treatments

Milia is a condition described by tiny pearly-white bumps on the skin under the eyes. These are little cysts (or sacks) containing a hard semi-solid protein called keratin.

There may be one, two, or a few, and they usually cause no symptoms except that people become self-conscious about their appearance. They are entirely harmless, they need no treatment, and most disappear within a few months (although new ones may form in time).

## What causes milia?

In adults, these may form in response to recent [sunburn](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/sunburn) or from skin damage, such as from [burns](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/burns-130) or unusual skin conditions. They appear in up to half of newborn babies, appearing around the eyes, nose, and across the cheeks and clearing up a short while later.

Dr Kandi - Milia

Vitiligo occurs when pigment (melanin) is lost from areas of skin, leaving behind white patches. The patches can grow in size and merge. These patches may be a little itchy but are not otherwise bothersome.

The main complaint is the appearance of these patches, and the loss of self-confidence that comes with it. This requires specialist attention to treat, with the aim of stopping new patches from forming. If it's caught early enough, there's the possibility of reversing white areas to allow pigment to gradually come back. For this reason, it's important to see your doctor.

Dr Kandi - Vitiligo

Molluscum contagiosum are small protruding, smooth, shiny bumps, often flesh-colored or pink/red, and distinguished by the dip in the center of their tip.

If squeezed (and we advise not), a semi-solid substance may ooze out. This is not recommended as this liquid contains the molluscum virus that causes the bumps, and as these are highly contagious, squeezing risks spreading to other parts of the body or gifting to friends and loved ones.

Molluscum is common and usually seen in children. It causes no harm, but parents or sufferers may be bothered by the appearance, and occasionally, a molluscum may become itchy and irritated, or even infected with bacteria.

Zika virus disease is an infection that is spread by mosquitoes. Most people who are bitten and catch the Zika virus suffer no symptoms. Any symptoms are usually mild and last for around a week. These are similar to most viral infections: muscle aches, joint aches, headaches, fever, rash, and irritated eyes (conjunctivitis). 

Zika virus becomes important only in its threat to pregnant women. An unborn baby can suffer from birth defects, such as having a smaller-than-average head size (microcephaly). 

Zika is present in many hot countries. You catch it after a bite from the Aedes mosquito, which may carry the virus. The same mosquitoes can also have dengue and yellow fever, two serious tropical diseases, so there are lots of reasons to take steps to prevent being bitten. Aedes mosquitoes are active during the daytime, with bites most likely in the early morning, afternoon, and evening. 

It's worth being well-informed about the risks wherever you are traveling to. Up-to-date Zika virus maps can be found online or at your doctor's practice. 

Zika virus is contagious and can be passed on from an infected individual via sex, including vaginal, anal, and oral.

Keratosis pilaris is a very common skin condition, where the skin gets bumpy and red, resembling [chicken skin](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/chicken-skin) or goosebumps. It typically occurs on the upper outer arms and thighs, where hair follicles get blocked with pockets of keratin, a thick, tough substance that helps to protect the skin. Bumps can be red, gray, or flesh-colored, and skin feels rough, dry, and sometimes itchy.

This condition affects up to half of the population, running in families and appearing most commonly in adolescence, with improvement usually in adulthood. It is completely harmless, but people become concerned with the appearance.

Corns and calluses: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened and hardened skin caused by the repeated minor friction or rubbing of the skin, and they can often be painful. **In most cases, they are not serious and you can usually treat them yourself at home.**

Despite appearing similar, and being caused by repeated friction and pressure, corns and calluses are not the same thing.

Threadworms (also known as pinworms) are parasitic infections that look like a thin thread, hence their name. They are found to grow in human and animal guts. [Threadworms](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/threadworms) are the most common parasitic worm in the US, and the most commonly affected groups are children and household contacts of infected children. Threadworms lay eggs around your bottom (anus), which makes it itchy. As well as some suspicious symptoms, it is possible to see threadworms occasionally in your child’s poop. They are pale white moving worms and can be seen quite clearly if you look for them.

They are so infectious because the worm’s eggs take around 2 weeks to hatch. The eggs can then get stuck on your child’s fingers when the area is scratched. They can then pass on to anything they touch, including clothes, pets, tables, toys, etc. The eggs are ingested by hand-to-mouth transfer after touching a surface with the eggs or scratching your bottom. Because of this and the time lag with the eggs hatching – repeated treatments are commonly needed.

Helminths are parasitic worms that can cause gut infection, and mebendazole is an anthelmintic medicine designed to kill them. It’s available by prescription for adults and children to treat [threadworm](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/threadworms) (pinworm), which causes an intense itch around the anus, especially in children under 10 years old.

Mebendazole can also be used to treat other parasitic worm infections such as roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm. These infest the gut and are usually picked up from travel to certain countries.

Black fungus is a rare but very serious fungal infection that affects the nose, sinuses, lungs, eyes and sometimes the brain. It is found in the soil and is associated with decaying organic matter such as manure, vegetables and fruit. It gets its name from the black lesions it causes on the mouth and nose, and is officially named mucormycosis, or previously zygomycosis.

It's come to prominence recently owing to an association with [COVID-19 infection](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/condition/covid-19-coronavirus-415), especially in patients who contracted the virus in India. Small outbreaks of black fungus can also occur in certain groups of people such as those who have had an organ transplant.

Dr Karen Martin

Pharmacist and Head of US Content

Impetigo is a mild bacterial infection causing a red area of skin with tiny blisters (vesicles). These may burst to form open sores and a honey-yellow or brown crust. It often arises from damaged skin - from [eczema](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/eczema), from an [insect bite](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/insect-bites-or-stings), or around the nose and mouth after a [cold](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/condition/common-cold). This is a very common infection that can clear up by itself, but as it usually affects children and is very contagious, most people choose to have it treated with antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes, two bacteria commonly found in the nose and not causing any harm to healthy skin, are the most likely suspects.

Impetigo

Doctor’s advice

Is it contagious?

Healthwords pharmacists' top tips

Am I fit for work?

When should I see my doctor?

Related topics

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Paronychia

Hidradenitis suppurativa

Zepbound for weight loss

Itchy bottom

Contact Dermatitis

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Diarrhea

School absence and a doctor's note

Verruca

Milia (milk spots): causes and treatments

Vitiligo

Molluscum

Zika virus

Keratosis pilaris

Corns and calluses: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Treating threadworm

Mebendazole

Black fungus